Tag Archives: Christian Devotion

November 3rd 2016 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 5 of 5)

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“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;  and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—  that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Today, as I wrap up this mini-series on why God choose us, from, I want us to look at how the Bible brings these verses out.  God looked down from heaven and He chose us in spite of us. Isn’t that great?  We are chosen by the Great “I Am” to be a co-partner with Him, to help people and share His message of eternal salvation.  God could have just done it Himself, but He chose to work through us to let people see the light.

That’s why we can never boast in ourselves, because we know who we are.  We know where we came from, so our boast is always in God.  As we looked at David, Rahab and Joseph these last few days, we could have looked at so many more in the Bible that started off badly, yet God took them on a journey and made something great out of them.

So today, don’t put yourself down.  See yourself the way God your Heavenly Father sees you, “IN JESUS”!  That’s why He sees you blessed, because Jesus is blessed.  That is why He sees you healed, because Jesus is healed.  Start seeing yourself the way God sees you and never forget from where you came, and yet, always remember where you’re going.  Enjoy the ride, He brought you this far, He’ll get you to the finish line.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You have gotten me to the starting gate and I know that You will get me to the finish line.  It’s not about me, it’s about You, Christ in me, the hope of glory. Thank You for the precious gift of salvation. Your love and forgiveness have changed my life, and I desire to show that same kind of love and forgiveness within the relationships around me. Fill me with Your Spirit and instruct me by Your Word, so that I can live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org

November 2nd 2016 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 4 of 5)

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“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

I love the way this verse speaks of US. Yes, not many of us had everything going for us, but God still chose us for this great salvation.  As we continue to look at different people in the Word of God that maybe had it, then lost it, and then got it back, I think of Joseph. Here’s a young man that is living a good life, enjoying the blessing of being his father’s favorite.  Yet this put him at odds with his brothers.

Many of you know his story but here is a quick synopsis of it.  He is the son of Jacob, born from the wife that Jacob truly loved.  At this point, He is their firstborn son and Jacob distinguishes Joseph by giving him a special multi-colored coat.  His brothers get jealous and sell him into slavery.  From there he is working for Potiphar and receives favor from God.

He is lifted up as a slave, and then Potiphar’s wife (Potiphar – Is captain of the palace guard) gets eyes for him, and when Joseph says no, she cries rape.  So he gets thrown into prison, but God is still with Him. Then Pharaoh has a dream and Joseph interprets it and gets lifted to the place of second in all of Egypt. 

So, as we can see today, if we stay faithful to God, no matter who lets us down, even our family, God has His eyes on us and will get us out of the pit and lift us to a high place.  No matter who hurt you, forgive them, and let God take you to the place that He has prepared for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I forgive those who have hurt me and I thank you Father, for taking me to a higher place, a good place of blessings in you. Give me the faith to trust in those promises regardless of what I am feeling or what I see in the world around me. I believe with my whole heart that You are God, that Jesus is my Savior and that He will one day return. Give me the power to share this message of hope with all those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org

 

October 6th 2016 – Love Your Neighbor

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“For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Galatians 5:13-14)

We as a country have entered a very dangerous time of division amongst one another. The politicians running for public office are completely out of control with the lies and accusations. Many of them slander each other, often with total character assassination. We are experiencing extreme racial tension against one another and hatred toward our law enforcement. Many of society have become desensitized to what is happening around us daily. Man’s Sinful nature has become legalized…

God intended for us to live a different way. When we read Galatians 5:13-14, we see one of many of scriptures that tell us to “love one another” I urge you to live in this freedom Jesus has called you to! Love your neighbor as yourself. Serve your neighbor. Do you know if your neighbor has a relationship with Jesus? Do you know if they are active in their faith? Perhaps get to know your neighbor. Pray for your neighbor. Care for your neighbor. If they are not saved, begin to pray for them to come to know Jesus. As you care for them and pray for them, the Lord will give you a burden for them. Invite them to come to church with you. When they see people worshiping the Lord and hear about the love God has for them, they will be drawn to Him. I have seen it happen time and time again. When you have done this, then you have truly loved your neighbor. Keep loving, praying, and inviting until every neighbor hears.

“Jesus has called you to live in freedom to serve one another in love.”

Heavenly Father, Thank You for those You have placed around me and in my life. Thank You for everyone that I can be a witness to. Please give me opportunities to love them and to talk to them about Jesus. I ask that You would prepare their hearts beforehand that when I invite them to church they will go with me. I also ask that You would give me a desire to see my whole neighborhood come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org

September 29th 2016 – Ambassador For Jesus

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“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,”  (1 Peter 2:11)

Have you ever considered yourself a “Pilgrim” or a Ambassador in this world for Jesus? It can be a hard concept to grasp since all we’ve ever known is earth, but if you have trusted in Jesus for salvation, then the Bible says that your real home is in Heaven with Jesus. Because of this Truth, we are not so easily trapped by the things of this world because we know them to be temporary. Our job, money, possessions and even relationships are gifts from God for us to use during our time on this planet. Like the manna from Heaven during the time of Moses, these items are here for a moment for us to use, yet our home is not the desert. Instead, our home is the Promised Land of God. The things we have are good, but what God promises for us in Heaven are greater.

How does that Truth change your perspective on life? It is not that this life is meaningless; in fact this life is filled with even greater meaning when we realize the purpose of our time here. We are here to point to Jesus. While our home is in Heaven and we are here without our King, He has given us a command to tell others about His love and grace. While we can enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not be trapped by them because our purpose is great here on earth. Our purpose is to make much of our Lord who is eternal and His Word which will never change.

“When we live within the bounds of Scripture and in the power of Christ, we can change the world we live in.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the promise of Heaven and the blessings on earth. Give me an eternal perspective so that I can live as a ambassador on this earth, sharing the love of Jesus with everyone I meet. Help me not to be distracted by the things of this world but instead, give me a greater passion for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org

September 1st 2016 – His Will, His Way

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“He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:2)

What is God’s will for your life? That’s the big question, isn’t it? Well, it’s really very simple. You see, many times when we ponder God’s will for our lives, we get very self-focused and miss the point. God’s will for our lives isn’t so much about us as it is about Him.Is living for God that hard for us to do after He died for us?

God revealed His will for all through His Son, Jesus. Through repentance and forgiveness, we can live a life of service and sacrifice. But, it is God’s will for you to love others and be a living testimony to the world. Do you have a concern, care and compassion for a world of people dying without Jesus? God’s will for your life is to lead others to salvation in Jesus. Be a steward of the Gospel by sowing into the lives of others, and you will see God’s will in action in your life.

“It is important to know God’s will for your life and live it out.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. I am so grateful that You did not leave me to live my life on my own. Thank You for having a plan for my life and revealing it through Your Word. Lord, I confess that I have tried to live my life my own way, and I am sorry. I want Your will for my life. Lord, help me to live out the plan You have for me. I give You my life to do Your will in Your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

August 20th 2016 – I Knit You Together

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“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:1-14)

When I read this verse, my mind wanders off to a turn of the century style living room, softly lit by a crackling fire. There is grandmother in this room, gently rocking back and forth in her maple rocking chair as she knits a sweater for a beloved grandson. I can see the expression on her face, as all her love is, for this moment focused on this new creation.

In her mind, she can picture how the sweater will look when it is finished, and the joy that it will bring to her grandchild’s heart. With anticipation, she continues to count (knit one, pearl two, knit one, pearl two) as the sweater begins take the form that she always imagined it to be. This project is not work for her, for it brings much joy to her soul and delight to her heart because each stitch is filled with love.

Now for a moment, think about how God knit you together in your mother’s womb. Our Father uses such a tender illustration of how He lovingly, and carefully created our being. He could have blasted us together, or snapped His fingers and we would have appeared, but He chose a more delicate process in which He could be intimately involved as He formed us in our mother’s womb…knit one, pearl two, knit one, pearl two. Stitch by stitch, loop by loop, each one of our parts was delicately and carefully crafted by Almighty God.

Your life is not the product of an impersonal evolution, but the result of a loving Father, who planned your creation before the foundations of the world, and took the time to knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are a masterpiece, and your very existence brings much joy to your Father’s heart.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for creating my inmost being. I know each strand of my DNA was fashioned by You, stitch by stitch, loop by loop, with a love that called me to life. I was created in love, and for love. And in my heart, I want to express my love back to you for being such a wonderful Father to me that You would knit me together in my mother’s womb. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 9th 2016 – Challenges From the Adversary

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“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9)

There are many in the world that think life with God is an easy road. After all, you simply come to God and He paves a trouble-free path all the way up to the streets of gold. While there is a peace and joy that comes with following Jesus, the road is not easy. In fact, as you step out to serve the Lord, you will find many challenges along the way.

* When you step out to serve God, you will be challenged.

* When you step out to give, you will be challenged.

* When you step out to love, you will be challenged.

The enemy of God desires nothing more than to stop us in our tracks. If our lives are being used to spread the Gospel, then Satan is not happy. Even though this is true, don’t let it slow you down, because with Christ we have the power to overcome.

(1 John 4:4) “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

The enemy may try his hardest to sidetrack us and to pull us out of the work God is calling us to, but he is limited in his power. In Jesus, we are not. Even in the midst of enemies, trust in the greatest Friend you could ever have… His name is Jesus.

“Spiritual opportunities and spiritual adversaries often go together. You shouldn’t run from adversity.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and the power that is available through Jesus. Help me to see adversities as stepping stones to Your plan for my life. Give me the strength to endure the tough times and spiritual battles so that I can be used to reach others with the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

August 7th 2016 – The Battlefield of the Christian

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“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3)

Some believe that when you become a Christian, all your troubles are over. They think that in some magical way you won’t struggle with anything. The real truth is that sometimes it can be a tough road. In many cases throughout scripture, the Christian walk is seen as a battle. We fight a real enemy, but putting on our spiritual armor we can endure the hardships. This is part of our life, but there is more to it than simply suffering for sufferings sake. We are children of God, and we get to play a part in destroying the darkness and shining the light.

There is good news in this battle. You see, we are not alone. Our weapons are far greater than anything our enemy has because ours come straight from God. He is on our side and will be with us every step of the way. Even more than that, Jesus Himself suffered like we suffer. He knew pain. He understood heartache. He endured the battle and can relate to our struggle. With this understanding, He has compassion. With His divine nature, He has all the power of the universe at His disposal. One day, He will declare the ultimate victory but until then, we will endure suffering on His behalf so that more and more people can come to know the Truth of God’s love.

“Our Savior and Lord stands ready to defend those who are His own.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your loving hand of grace. While I may endure suffering, I know that I will never be fully crushed under the weight of it. Empower me with Your Spirit and equip me through Your Word so that I can be a soldier fully prepared to fight the good fight for my King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

June 15th 2016 – Faith, Get a Grip!

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Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham

Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.” (Acts 7:1-8)

The Patriarchs in Egypt

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers.” (Acts 7:9-15)

These verses in Acts chapter seven speak of men who were possessors of faith: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Many of us have made professions of faith, but our modern idea of faith is an interesting one.

In order to appear that we are not ‘going overboard’ with our faith, many of us try to live under a concept of ‘safe’ Christianity. We want just enough Christianity that it doesn’t make the our friends and family worry about us. We assume that a small measure of religion can give us the peace and contentment we so desperately need in this crazy world. The problem with this type of thinking. Jesus, the one we are to be following said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30 partial scripture).

In another place He says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-17)

How would you describe your faith?

Do you posess the following?

A) A radical, on fire, life changing faith?

B) A more reserved, quiet faith that does not interupt your busy life?

C) A life unchanged except perhaps for your Sunday mornings?

There is only one true kind of faith, and that is ‘A’. Jesus died for us, so that He could turn our lives radically right side up. So often we try to live a life of ‘B’ and ‘C’, but desire the benefits of ‘A’. Stop trying to keep God at arms length. Embrace Him and watch Him change your life. Take those small steps toward a big radical faith. God will be with you and will enlarge your steps beneath you.

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow – What a ride!'”

“We should be possessors of faith not just professors of faith.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are anything but ordinary and boring. Help me to live a passionate life for You. I have lived for myself and found a life with no meaning. I want to live for You. Help me to step out with boldness to serve You. I know I can trust You to strengthen me and give me the things I need to serve You. When I enter into heaven, I want to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Help me to radically live for You now so that I may hear You say that then. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

November 22nd 2015 – Gods Wisdom verses an Epidemic

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“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”  (Proverbs 26:28)

This verse from Proverbs tells us that behind a lying tongue is hatred and flattery. These kings of actions will create a life full of pain for them and others around them. In today’s world lying has become a plague that is grieving the heart of God. It is not only rampant in society, but it has also spread among God’s own people. Even God’s ministers are not immune and many of them are infected with it.

According to many people, is considered rather harmless. Reference is even made to telling little “white lies.” Supposedly to some, these kind are O.K. These encompass speaking flattering words and compliments without really meaning them. Lying is now so commonplace that people are deceived into just accepting it as normal, instead of recognizing and resisting it. The practice of lying and dishonesty is now epidemic in our world. People lie and cheat on their income tax forms. People cover their adulterous affairs with lies. People lie about being ill in order to take off work. People lie when confronted with mistakes they have made, blaming others. People lie in order to get a promotion or favor. People lie to in order to get out of jams. People lie about others in order to get elected. The list could go on.

What does the Bible say about lying? A lying tongue is not only something God hates, it is also something that is an abomination to Him. It is one of the sins listed that God hates.

(Proverbs 6:16-19) “There are six things the LORD hates,seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.”

Evil lies that are used against people are told for the purpose of wounding and crushing others. This is why God hates it so, as it is designed to destroy people and their reputations. A wicked person who tells lies one minute to destroy others, will not hesitate to use flattery the next minute, if it will advance his own selfish cause. Whether it is a lie or flattery, the motive is wicked and the words are designed to ruin others.

On the positive side, the Bible tells us that truth will end up prevailing over a lie. It is always better to tell the truth, as truth will ultimately endure over all lies. The Bible tells us that Jesus and His Word are truth. Therefore if I give my life to Christ and practice His Word, I will be able to walk in the truth and tell the truth.

(Psalm 100:5) “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”

(John 14:6) Jesus answerd “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”

Lying is a sin that leads to other sins. In fact, when someone tells a lie, then they have to tell other lies to cover that lie.

Today’ devotional study tells us that when someone lies about another, they practice hate. The Bible tells us that hatred is really murder in someone’s heart. We can see the progression – telling a lie, embracing hatred in one’s heart, and then an actual murder can follow those two sins. This is why lying is so deadly.

(1 John 3:14-16) “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer,and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful You are a God of truth. Lord, help establish my lips to always speak the truth and not deceitfulness. Fill me daily with your Holy Spirit so that I am empowered to walk in love toward all my brothers and sisters in the Lord. May I always be gracious toward others, keep me from any false flattery. I never want to be manipulative, but to always be honest and sincere in all my dealings with others. You are the God of truth, so may I always embrace truth and resist every lie. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

Invitation

This is no lie, Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus it is the greatest deciaion I ever made.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries